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Why "couldn't breath" takes your breath away for the wrong reason

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 21/10/2024, 21:16
English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

Couldn't breath or couldn't breathe. What's correct?

Spelling/Grammar error

Why do people make this mistake?

People often confuse "breath" with "breathe" because they are similar in spelling and related in meaning.

What is correct?

"Breathe" is the verb meaning to inhale and exhale air, while "breath" is the noun referring to the air taken in or expelled. The correct use in past tense is "couldn't breathe".

Examples of correct usage

  • I couldn't breathe because the air was so thick.
  • The room was so stuffy that I felt like I couldn't breathe.
  • After running so fast, he was gasping and couldn't breathe properly.

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